'Applause' superstar Lady Gaga didn't miss the "fame or the attention" when she took a break from the limelight.

The eccentric songstress was forced into cancelling a number of dates earlier this year due to hip surgery and was rarely photographed while recovering.

Gaga - who is famed for her innovative dress sense and larger-than-life character - enjoyed the "downtime".

In an interview with British newspaper The Sun she explained: “When I had surgery I really missed being on stage and I have missed the applause. That is an incredible feeling, knowing the audience is happy. When I have done that, that’s when I am happiest. I haven’t missed the fame or the attention with all the rest of it.

Gaga added: “I really enjoyed the downtime because it rejuvenated my creativity and I figured out a lot about myself after the last few years. “I realised I am not in it for the fame. I don’t need to go out and be recognised to feel alive.

“I do miss being onstage and singing and dancing. I didn’t miss getting dressed up.”